The death of the Pontiff has launched the old Vatican rites before a new papal choice.
The cardinals have begun to prepare for the funeral of Pope Francis, and world leaders are expected to attend the ceremony before a conclave to choose the next head of the Catholic Church.
All cardinals currently in Rome were summoned to a meeting on Tuesday to describe the arrangements of the funeral and begin preparations for succession. The Vatican has indicated that the ceremony could take place between Friday and Sunday.
Francis died 88 on Monday after a stroke and a heart trial, said the Vatican, ending a 12 -year -old papacy defined by the promotion of the marginalized and sometimes clashes with the traditionalist forces in the church.
His death has gathered the protocols of the traditional Vatican, including the ceremonial destruction of the fishermen’s ring and the papal seal, which symbolize the end of their papal authority.
World and real leaders are also preparing to attend the funeral ceremony in the city of the Vatican, including the president of the United States, Donald Trump and President Javier Milei or Argentina, the native country of the Pontiff.
![A Cardinal Cardinal puts the ring of the fishermen, made of gold plated silver, on a finger of Pope Francis during his opening mass, Vatican City, March 19, 2013 [File: EPA/Ciro Fusco]](https://www.aljazeera.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/3491194-1745302656.jpg?w=770&resize=770%2C749)
Francis wanted to be buried in the Basilica of Santa María Major, who is outside the Vatican and his home of his favorite icon of the Virgin Mary, instead of the Basilica of San Pedro, breaking with tradition.
Having the week he lives in the hospital earlier this year with double pneumonia, the Pope had returned to his modest residence of Casa Santa almost a month ago and seemed to be in repair. He had just headed to Wormpers at St Peter’s Square on Easter Sunday.
He will lie in the state in the chapel of the residence before his body is transferred to the Basilica of San Pedro to see the public on a date that the cardinals decide.
That could come as soon as Wednesday morning. The Vatican published on Tuesday a photo and a video of Pope Francis in his open coffin, dressed in a red robe with the papal miter on the head and a rosary in his hand.
The Church is now prepared for a conclave, which is expected to begin after May 6, where 135 cardinal voters, almost 80 percent of which were appointed by Francis, will be secretly voted to choose their successor.
Without a clear emerging favorite, the cardinals will use general congregations in the next few days to reflect on the future direction of the Church.